8 Reasons to Visit Newcastle in the Summer

Tap to Read ➤ John M

The exciting city of Newcastle, in the North East of England, has a lot to offer and to mesmerise its visitors.

Top Tourist Destination

Last year, the Rough Guide travel publisher named Newcastle as their top tourist destination. It was an announcement that seemed to surprise many, though not those, who know how vibrant a city Newcastle is, and how much fun it is to visit. So, if you haven’t been there already, here are eight reasons to plan a visit to Newcastle in the summer.

1. The Architecture

While cities like London may be the first to spring to mind when you think of great architecture, there are a number of iconic buildings in Newcastle ready to be explored.

These include the Castle Keep, an ancient monument that gave the city its name, and the 14th Century Gothic St. Nicholas’ Cathedral Church, both of which you can read more about here .

2. The Bridges

A visit to Newcastle wouldn’t be complete without a trip across the River Tyne, thanks to its seven bridges, all of which connect it to Gateshead. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the newest of these and, in the summer months, is tilted every day at noon so that it looks as if it is winking at you.

3. The Parks

If the sun is shining, there is no better way to enjoy the city than by taking a stroll through one of its many parks including the Town Moor. If you’re visiting in June, check to see if The Hoppings, the biggest traveling fair in the UK, is on.

4. The Culture

There is so much to do and see in Newcastle, and there are plenty of cultural attractions. A trip to the Great North Museum, the Hancock museum and exhibits displayed at the Baltic Centre are certainly things worth considering when visiting the city.

5. The Shopping

The Metro Centre is a great place to spend your hard earned cash. Located between Newcastle and Gateshead, you can get there by car, bus or train (though, unfortunately, you can’t take the metro there). If you don’t fancy leaving the city, Eldon Square in the city centre has plenty to offer including many big name brands and independent offerings.

6. The Nightlife

Newcastle is known for its vibrant nightlife and there are many great places in and around the city to enjoy some drinks, such as the Quayside and Jesmond's Osborne Road. There are plenty of useful online guides such as Newcastle Uncovered which contain plenty of information about the city's bars, pubs restaurants and much more.

7. The Quayside

Possibly the prettiest part of the city, you can stroll along the Tyne, eat great food, and, in the summer, sit in a deckchair and enjoy the sunshine (along with fish and chips) on a pop-up beach. Want to know more? Book in for a cultural Quayside tour, where you’ll get to find out more about the city and the people who live there (past and present).

8. The Surrounding Area

If you’re visiting for more than a few days, it’s worth taking the time to explore the surrounding area. Newcastle provides easy access to some great beaches, historical sites such as Alnwick Castle, which was used as the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, and Hadrian’s Wall as well as areas of natural beauty.

A City for Everyone

Whatever you enjoy, be that arts, culture, music or shopping, there is something for everyone in Newcastle. It’s no wonder the Rough Guide chose it as their top place to visit in 2018.